Here, we’ll cover:
- Common anti-ageing procedures
- How anti-ageing procedures work
- Why injectables and other aesthetic treatments aren’t for everyone
- Alternatives to onabotulinumtoxinA, fillers, and laser
Understanding anti-ageing procedures
Let’s start with the basics. What are common anti-ageing procedures?
The two most common (non-surgical) anti-ageing procedures are onabotulinumtoxinA and dermal fillers. According to research by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), 8.8 million onabotulinumtoxinA treatments were administered worldwide in 2023, followed by 5.5 million hyaluronic acid (dermal filler) procedures – up 29% on the previous year.
Other common in-clinic procedures to target signs of ageing include:
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Microneedling
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Facelifts
- Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
However, it’s injections that reign supreme for their fast and visible results, without surgery, while laser treatments are fast gaining popularity. Let’s delve a little deeper into these anti-ageing procedures.
OnabotulinumtoxinA injections
Wondering what onabotulinumtoxinA does? OnabotulinumtoxinA has become a go-to for smoothing fine lines and softening wrinkles, but what is onabotulinumtoxinA made of? Short for botulinum toxin, OnabotulinumtoxinA is an injectable treatment that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for expression lines, such as crow’s feet and frown lines.
By freezing muscle movement in targeted areas, it helps create a fresher, more youthful appearance. While the results aren’t permanent, they can last for several months, making it a popular choice for those seeking more youthful-looking skin without going under the knife.
Fillers
So, what do fillers do? Dermal fillers are another popular option for tackling the signs of ageing – think loss of volume, sagging skin, and deep-set lines. Unlike onabotulinumtoxinA, which relaxes muscles, fillers work by plumping the skin from within. Fillers are usually made from hyaluronic acid (a molecule naturally found in the body) to restore lost volume and smooth out wrinkles.
They’re often used in areas like the cheeks, undereye area, and nasolabial folds to lift and sculpt the face, leaving the skin looking younger.
Laser skin resurfacing treatments
What is laser skin resurfacing? Laser treatments are a non-invasive way to refresh the skin and combat visible signs of ageing, like fine lines, uneven skin tone, sun spots and dullness. Using focused light energy, laser treatments work by stimulating collagen production deep within the skin, helping to improve texture, tone and overall radiance over time.
Laser treatments often need multiple sessions to see results. From gentle resurfacing to more intensive rejuvenation, there are different types of lasers to suit various skin concerns and comfort levels. Common laser treatments include:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) facials use broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation, redness and sun damage for a clearer, more even skin tone.
- Carbon laser facials exfoliate and deeply cleanse the skin, helping to reduce fine lines, tighten pores and boost radiance.
- CO2 laser treatments are intensive resurfacing treatments that target deep wrinkles, scars and texture by stimulating collagen and removing damaged skin layers.
Why procedures aren’t for everyone
While anti-ageing procedures can bring visible results, they bring their share of disadvantages, too. Let’s explore some common drawbacks of getting onabotulinumtoxinA, dermal filler, or laser treatments.
Considerations for injectable treatments
- Cost – Procedures aren’t cheap, with each appointment costing hundreds of pounds – not to mention maintenance appointments.
- Fear of needles – Both onabotulinumtoxinA and filler are administered by needle, which can put some people off.
- Temporary results – The results from onabotulinumtoxinA and filler are not permanent, requiring regular top-ups to sustain your desired look.
- Unnatural results – The worry of looking unnatural is enough to deter some, fearing a frozen expression or the dreaded ‘pillow face’ – especially if too much is administered. Filler can also be prone to migration, where over time, it moves from its original location to other areas of the face.
- Side effects – Immediate side effects after injectables include bruising, swelling, redness and pain. In some cases, more extreme side effects can occur, such as muscle weakness, drooping, rashes, and allergic reactions.
- Health concerns or allergies – Some people with medical conditions or allergies choose to steer clear of injectables for health reasons.
- Preference for non-invasive alternatives – Some people prefer to stay away from injectables altogether, opting for less-invasive anti-ageing solutions like skincare products and treatments like microneedling or laser therapy.
Considerations for laser treatments
- Cost – Laser treatments can be pricey, especially if you need a course of sessions to see noticeable results.
- Downtime – Some laser treatments, particularly stronger resurfacing options, can leave skin red, sensitive or peeling for several days afterwards.
- Sensitivity – Your skin may be more prone to sun damage and irritation post-treatment, meaning extra care (and SPF) is essential.
- Not a quick fix – Results tend to build gradually over time, so it’s not a one-and-done solution.
- Suitability – Not all skin types or tones are suited to every laser treatment, so a consultation is key to avoid unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation.
- Discomfort – While many describe the sensation as a rubber band snap, stronger lasers can be uncomfortable, even with numbing cream.
OnabotulinumtoxinA, laser and filler alternatives: Anti-ageing skincare
If anti-ageing procedures aren’t for you, or you want to hold off on them for now, fear not – there are skincare alternatives to injections available that can reduce visible signs of ageing.
Looking for anti-ageing skincare that delivers results? The key is to find products with the right active ingredients. An active ingredient is a skincare component that’s been scientifically proven to directly target and improve specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation.
For anti-ageing, look out for products that contain one or more of the following active ingredients:
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic acid
- Peptides
- Niacinamide
Injections alternatives for the face: Revitalift Laser Day Cream
Want to reduce signs of ageing on your face without a procedure? Specialist anti-ageing skincare products can be a good alternative to injections.
Meet Revitalift Laser Day Cream from L'Oréal Paris, our new anti-ageing formula inspired by dermatologist laser treatments. Formulated with three top active ingredients – pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C – the triple-action cream is proven to smooth wrinkles and firm and brighten skin.
With clinically proven results, skin feels:
- More toned and firmer
- Replumped with moisture
- Skin texture looks more even
- Fine lines and crow’s feet look reduced.
Don’t just take our word for it: 1 in 2 women would postpone their aesthetic procedure after trying the Revitalift Laser cream*.
Discover Revitalift Laser Day Cream
OnabotulinumtoxinA and filler alternatives for the under eyes: Revitalift Eye Bag Instant Eraser
The under eyes are one of the first areas on the face to show signs of ageing. As we get older, the thin skin around our eyes is prone to developing fine lines and crow’s feet, dark circles, and undereye bags. Sound familiar?
That’s why professional treatments like injections and tear trough filler are so popular for eye bag removal and wrinkle reduction, with people looking to rejuvenate the eye area for a more youthful appearance.
If procedures aren’t for you, or you’re keeping them as a last resort, there are skincare products you can try as injection substitutes, specially developed to target ageing under eyes.
Enter the Revitalift Eye Bag Instant Eraser from L'Oréal Paris. Clinically proven to give visible results in just 15 minutes (yes, really), this eye cream targets wrinkles, bags and puffiness with results that last up to 8 hours.
Sound too good to be true? We asked people who have tried and tested the cream:
- 95% say their undereye bags are visibly reduced**
- 94% say the undereye area looks lifted**.
Discover Revitalift Eye Bag Instant Eraser
*Consumer Study of 113 Women, considering an aesthetic procedure. Results not equal to an aesthetic procedure. Procedure is not inevitable.
**Self Assessment, 83 women.
